Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Centennial!
As winter sets in, I hope everyone has the chance to relax with friends and family this holiday season. I’m looking forward to seeing community members at holiday celebrations across our community this winter.
To kick off the festive season, my office is hosting “Skate with Santa” at the Heron Park Arena. Join us for a free community skate with our special guest from the North Pole. Skates, helmets, and skating aids will be available for use at no cost, and complimentary hot chocolate while supplies last. We will also have non-perishable food collection boxes for the Daily Bread Food Bank and donations are welcome. I hope to see you there!
Skate With Santa!
Date: Sunday, December 8
Time: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Location: Heron Park Arena (292 Manse Road)
Winter Snow and Ice Safety
In preparation for winter weather, the City of Toronto has a comprehensive snow and ice response plan that prioritizes the safety and movement of residents and visitors.
More than $100 million is budgeted annually for winter operations to ensure that roads, sidewalks and bikeways are clear and safe.
Approximately 1,400 pieces of salting and plowing equipment work to keep 14,700 lane kilometres of roads, 7,900 kilometres of sidewalks, and 467 lane kilometres of cycling infrastructure clear of snow and ice.
Crews spray salt brine on high-priority locations before snow falls to prevent ice from forming. Salt trucks go out when the snow starts to stick. Snow plows start operations when the snow accumulates to 2.5 centimetres on expressways and 5 centimetres on major roads, transit routes and streets with hills.
Residential streets will begin to be plowed when snow accumulates to 8 centimetres, and public sidewalks will start to be cleared when snow is 2 centimetres deep. If snowfall accumulation is less than 2 centimetres, residents and businesses are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their property and private property such as driveways, parking spaces, steps, etc. within 12 hours of the end of a snowfall.
If you need assistance during winter weather, please contact 311.
Residents can track where plows and salt trucks are and which roads and sidewalks have been cleared by using the city’s real-time online tracking map at toronto.ca/PlowTO.
If you are planning to travel during winter weather events, please be aware that streets may be slippery. Consider postponing non-essential travel, give yourself extra time, consider taking public transit, and stay well back from snow clearing equipment.
People driving during winter weather are reminded to slow down, follow snow clearing equipment at a safe distance, do not pass snow clearing equipment, and use gentle braking, steering and acceleration.
Stay in Touch
If you’d like to get in touch or sign up for my e-newsletter, please email me at councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca or call 416-338-3771.